Method and system for adjusting depth values of objects in a three dimensional (3D) display

ABSTRACT

A method of setting a plurality of depth values of a plurality of objects in a scene. The method comprises providing an image dataset depicting a scene comprising a plurality of objects having a plurality of depth values with a plurality of depth differences thereamong, selecting a depth range, simultaneously adjusting the plurality of depth values while maintaining the plurality of depth differences, the adjusting being limited by the depth range, and instructing the generation of an output image depicting the scene so that the plurality of objects having the plurality of adjusted depth values.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/IL2011/000048 having International filing date of Jan. 13, 2011,which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/294,843, filed on Jan. 14, 2010. Thecontents of the above Applications are all incorporated herein byreference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to threedimensional (3D) imaging printing and, more particularly, but notexclusively, to three dimensional imaging in autostereoscopy.

Autostereoscopy is any method of displaying stereoscopic images withoutthe use of special headgear or glasses on the part of the viewer.Examples of autostereoscopic displays include parallax barrier,lenticular, volumetric, electro-holographic, and light field displays.Autostereoscopy may be used to produce images with an illusion of depth.However, elements with fixed optics to produce the illusion of depthhave a number of limitations. For example, when lenticular lens array ora parallax barrier is used, physical limitations prevent the display ofa depth of field beyond certain ranges. For example, when motion isdisplayed and lenticules are arranged to be oriented horizontally toprovide the clearest motion image during viewing, no depth of field canbe provided. Even when a three-dimensional effect is generated, thedepth of field possible is limited by physical characteristics of thelens sheet itself, such as the desired small pitch (that is, width) ofthe lenticules so that they are not visible to a user's eye. This, inturn, limits the possible spacing between image lines to obtain a depthof field, particularly bearing in mind the contrary requirement that theuser would like to see as many images as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method of setting a plurality of depth values of a pluralityof objects in a scene. The method comprises providing an image datasetdepicting a scene comprising a plurality of objects having a pluralityof depth values with a plurality of depth differences thereamong,selecting a depth range;

simultaneously adjusting the plurality of depth values while maintainingthe plurality of depth differences, the adjusting being limited by thedepth range, and instructing the generation of an output image depictingthe scene so that the plurality of objects having the plurality ofadjusted depth values.

Optionally, the selecting comprises selecting the depth range accordingto optical characteristics of an image separating mask.

Optionally, the selecting comprises selecting the depth range accordingto vision limitations of an observer viewing the scene via an imageseparating mask.

More optionally, the image separating mask is a stereoscopic display.

More optionally, the method further comprises generating an articlewherein the output image is viewable via the image separating mask.

Optionally, the adjusting comprises adjusting a convergence plane of thescene while maintaining the plurality of depth differences.

Optionally, adjusting comprises: displaying a plurality of markers eachindicative of another the depth value in the depth range, allowing auser to move simultaneously the plurality of markers along a scale, andadjusting the plurality of depth values according to the move.

Optionally, the method further comprises receiving a two dimensional(2D) image from a remote client via a network and converting the 2Dimage to generate the image dataset wherein each the object has aseparately adjustable depth.

Optionally, the instructing comprises rendering the output image on astereoscopic display.

Optionally, the instructing comprises printing the output image.

More optionally, the image separating mask is selected from a groupconsisting of a parallax barrier, a lenticular lenses array, a multiimage display screen, a stereoscopic display, and an array of lenses forintegral photography (IP).

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method of presenting a user interface for adjusting aplurality of depth values of a plurality of objects of a scene. Themethod comprises displaying an image dataset depicting a scenecomprising a plurality of objects having a plurality of depth valueswith a plurality of depth differences thereamong, displaying a scaledefining a depth range, allowing a user to adjust simultaneously theplurality of depth values by moving a single marker in relation to thescale, and generating an output image depicting the scene so that thedepth of the plurality of objects being set according to the pluralityof adjusted depth values.

Optionally, the depth range is selected according to opticalcharacteristics of an image separating mask; the output image isviewable via the image separating mask.

Optionally, the moving comprises moving a plurality of object markerssimultaneously, each the object marker marking another of the pluralityof depth values in the depth range.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a computer program product, comprising at least one computerusable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein,the computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement amethod of setting a plurality of depth values of a plurality of objectsin a scene. The method comprises providing an image dataset depicting ascene comprising a plurality of objects having a plurality of depthvalues with a plurality of depth differences thereamong, selecting adepth range;

simultaneously adjusting the plurality of depth values while maintainingthe plurality of depth differences, the adjusting being limited by thedepth range, and instructing the generation of an output image depictingthe scene so that the plurality of objects having the plurality ofadjusted depth values.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a device of setting a plurality of depth values of a pluralityof objects in a scene. The device comprises a receiving unit whichreceives an image dataset depicting a scene comprising a plurality ofobjects having a plurality of depth values with a plurality of depthdifferences thereamong, a user interface module which allows user tosimultaneously adjust the plurality of depth values while maintainingthe plurality of depth differences, the adjusting being limited by adepth range, and an output module which instructs the generation of anoutput image depicting the scene so that the plurality of objects havingthe plurality of adjusted depth values.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of theinvention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually,automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actualinstrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or systemof the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented byhardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof usingan operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according toembodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or acircuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of theinvention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructionsbeing executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according toexemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein areperformed by a data processor, such as a computing platform forexecuting a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processorincludes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or anon-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removablemedia, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a networkconnection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input devicesuch as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings(s) will be provided by the Office upon request andpayment of the necessary fee.

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method of setting a plurality of depth valuesof a plurality of objects viewable via an image separating mask,according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a graphical user interface (GUI)for presenting a received image dataset, according to some embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the GUI depicted in FIG. 1,wherein an indicator of a selected layer marker is enlarged, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a stereoscopic display device,according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a printing system, according tosome embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of presenting a user interface, foradjusting depth values of a plurality of objects viewable via an imageseparating mask, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to threedimensional imaging printing and, more particularly, but notexclusively, to three dimensional imaging in autostereoscopy.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided methods and systems of setting a plurality of depth values of aplurality of objects in a scene viewable via an image separating mask.The method is based on adjusting the plurality of depth valuessimultaneously in a depth range set according to optical characteristicsof the image separating mask and/or vision limitation of a humanobserver. First, an image dataset depicting a scene comprising aplurality of objects having a plurality of depth values with a pluralityof depth differences thereamong is received. In addition, a depth rangeis selected. Than the plurality of depth values are simultaneouslyadjusted while the depth differences are maintained. The adjusting islimited by the depth range. This allows instructing the generation of anoutput image depicting the scene so that the objects are depicted withthe adjusted depth values.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a device and a method of presenting a user interface, such as agraphical user interface, for adjusting a plurality of depth values of aplurality of objects of a scene viewable via an image separating mask.The method is based on displaying an image dataset depicting a scenethat depicts a plurality of objects having a plurality of depth valueswith a plurality of depth differences thereamong. In addition, a scaledefining a depth range set according to optical characteristics of animage separating mask and/or according to the vision characteristics ofan observer is displayed to the user. This allows the user to adjustsimultaneously the depth values by moving a single marker in relation tothe scale. The device and method allow generating an output image thatdepicts the scene so that the depth of the plurality of objects is setaccording to the adjusted depth values.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out invarious ways.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a flowchart of a method 100 ofsetting a plurality of depth values of a plurality of objects viewablevia an image separating mask, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. As used herein, an image separating mask means abarrier, such as a parallax barrier, a lenticular lenses array, a multiimage display screen, an array of lenses for integral photography (IP),for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,907, filed on May 23,1996 that is incorporated herein by reference and any display fordisplaying a multi dimensional image. As used herein, a depth value is avalue indicative of a desired emulated depth of one or more objects in ascene in relation to other objects in the scene or in relation to areference plane, such as a convergence plane, also known as a zeroplane. The depth value may be a depth of a flat object, indicating thedepth thereof all along its visible area and/or a cumulative value whichis set according the depth of an uneven object, indicating the averageof various depths along its visible area, the median of various depthsalong its visible area, and the like. The method may be implemented in aclient terminal, such as a personal computer, a server, a laptop, thinclient, a tablet, a kiosk in a photo shop, a personal digital assistant(PDA), or any other computing unit, and/or a remote terminal, such as aserver or a network node that is accessible to a user via a network,such as the internet.

First, as shown at 101, an image dataset which depicts a scenecomprising a plurality of objects is provided. The image dataset isoptionally a two dimensional (2D) image and/or a multilayered imagewherein each object is represented in a different layer. Optionally, the2D image is processed to form a multilayered image by identifying,manually or automatically, different objects and generating accordinglydifferent layers. For example, a marking tool may be used by the user tocrop objects from a received 2D image. Each cropped object is convertedto a single object in a layer. For brevity, layers and objects arereferred to herein interchangeably. The 2D image may be locally selectedand/or captured, for example when the method is implemented on aterminal that includes a man machine interface (MMI), such as akeyboard, a pointing device and a display and/or a touch screen. The 2Dimage may be received from a remote network node via a network, forexample when the method is implemented on a central network node, suchas a web server that is connected to a network, such as the internet.Optionally, the marking tool allows the user to assign a flat depthand/or a non-flat depth to layers, for example by adding a given depthmap to a given layer. Optionally, the marking tool allows the user toscale positions of layers, for example by applying one or more scalingtransformations on a depth axis. Additionally or alternatively, themarking tool allows the user to apply a transformation to some or all ofthe layers as a composition, for example to rotate the scene and/orscale the scene in any of the axes (up-down, left-right, and/or in-out).

Now, as shown at 102, a depth range is provided, for example selected,according to one or more optical characteristics of an image separatingmask and/or according to one or more human eyesight limitations. Animage separating mask, such as a lenticular lens array or a parallaxbarrier, has physical limitations which prevent the display of a depthof field beyond a certain range. Namely, the depth range of the imageseparating mask is influenced by properties such as the size of theimage separating mask, the ability of the optics to present clearly eachview, and the like. The depth range further depends on other factors,such as limitations of the human eyes to combine correctly pairs ofstereoscopic images. As the image separating mask is an autostereoscopic display which displays a plurality of views, the mixing ofthese views by the optics of the image separating mask further limitsthe potential depth range of a scene displayed via the image separatingmask.

Reference is now also made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic illustrationof a graphical user interface (GUI) 200 for presenting the receivedimage dataset, for example as indicated by numeral 201, according tosome embodiments of the present invention. As outlined above, the GUI isexecuted on a local client terminal, such as a desktop, a laptop, or atablet and/or on a network node, such as a web server. The GUI 200includes a scale 202, which is optionally adapted to the provided depthrange. The scale 202 has near and far points (edges) 206, 207 which aredefined according to the provided depth range, for example the minimaland maximal depth values. In relation to this scale 202, optionally onit, layer markers, also referred to herein as object markers, aredisplayed, for example as shown by 203. Each layer marker is located onthe scale 202 in a manner that is indicative of its depth value inrelation to other layer markers on the scale 202. Optionally, each layermarker 203 comprises a layer indicator, such as a thumbnail, for exampleas shown at 205. The user may choose a layer and change its depth asexample by selecting any of the layer markers or respective indicators,for example by using a pointer of a pointing device or a touch screen.Optionally, as shown by numeral 301 of FIG. 3, an indicator of aselected layer marker is enlarged upon selection. Additionally oralternatively, as shown as shown by numeral 302 of FIG. 3, the selectedlayer is highlighted or otherwise indicated in the scene 201 uponselection. Optionally, all the layer markers 203 are connected to and/orassociated with a central layer marker 204 which may be used to controlall the layer markers simultaneously, within the boundaries of the scale202. The GUI 200 optionally depicts a convergence plane depth indicator210 that is indicative of the depth of the convergence plane in thedepth range, for example on the scale 202. As used herein, a convergenceplane, also known as a key plane or a zero parallax plane, is the pointor layer in a 3D image where no depth is perceived because both the leftand right eyes receive the same information.

The GUI 200 allows the user, as shown at 103, to adjust, simultaneouslyand respectively, a depth value of each of one of the objects and/orlayers in the scene, within the boundaries of the range depth that isdefined by the scale 202. For example, the user may move the centrallayer marker 204 along the scale 202 to adjust the depth values of allthe layers simultaneously. The depth values may be increased ordecreased simultaneously while the differences among the depth valuesare maintained. As the scale 202 is defined according to the provideddepth range, the adjustment of the depth values is limited to the depthrange. In such a manner, the user can only adjust depth values in thedepth range and not outside of the depth range. In another example, theuser may move the scale 202, or any other indicator that is indicativeof the provided depth range, while the distances between the depthvalues among the layers remain static.

Additionally or alternatively, the GUI 200 allows the user to adjust,simultaneously and respectively, the convergence plane of the scene 201,for example by moving the convergence plane depth indicator 210 alongthe scale 202. Optionally, the convergence plane of the scene 201 isadjusted while the differences (interspaces) between the depths valuesremain unchanged. The adjustment of the convergence plane is optionallylimited by the provided depth range and the depth values in the depthrange. For example, if one or more of the depth values are in proximityto the maximum and/or minimum edges of the depth range, the adjustmentof the convergence plane is limited in a range having a width equal tothe smallest difference between the any of the depth values and themaximum and/or minimum edges. The limiting of the adjustment of theconvergence plane prevents from a user to change depth values of a layerto deviate from the depth range.

After the user adjusted the depth values, as shown at 104, thegeneration of an output image which depicts the scene with the depthadjusted objects is instructed. Optionally, the output image is aninterlaced composite image that is later attached to a lenticularimaging article. In such a manner, the method 100 is used to adjust thedepth value of objects which are presented in a lenticular imagingarticle. The lenticular imaging article is optionally generated as knownin the art, for example as described in International Patent ApplicationNO. WO2008/087632, which is incorporated herein by reference.Additionally or alternatively, the output image is set to be projectedand/or rendered on an image separating mask used as a stereoscopicdisplay. In such an embodiment, the output image may be projected and/orrendered before, during and/or after the adjustment of the depth values.

For example, reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a schematicillustration of a stereoscopic display device 351, according to someembodiments of the present invention. The stereoscopic display device351 includes a user interface 352, a processing unit 353, and astereoscopic display 354. The processing unit 353 is set to receive adepth range and an image dataset, as described above. The user interface352 is set to present a GUI to a user, for example as described above.The processing unit 353 processes the objects and their depth in orderto create image data to be displayed on the stereoscopic display 354.The GUI is configured to include means to set depth for the layers andoptionally configured to include means for the user to move all layers,for example as described above. Another example is depicted in FIG. 5,which is a schematic illustration of a printing system 501, according tosome embodiments of the present invention. The printing system 501includes the user interface 352 and the processing unit 353 which aredepicted in FIG. 4. However, the printing system 501 includes a printingmodule 502 instead of the stereoscopic display 354. Optionally, as shownat 503, the printing system 501 includes a lamination unit to laminateprinted images to the flat side of an image separating mask, such as alenticular lens array. In such an embodiment, depth adjusted images areprinted and optionally laminated by the printing module 502 and thelaminating unit 503.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a flowchart of a method ofpresenting a user interface, such as the user interface depicted in FIG.2, for adjusting depth values of a plurality of objects viewable via animage separating mask, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. First, as shown at 401, an image dataset, such as a 2D imageand/or a multilayered image, is presented to a user. The image datasetdepicts a scene having a plurality of objects, which are optionallydepth adjustable. For example, each object is represented in a differentlayer and/or has a different depth value. In addition, as shown at 402,a possible depth range is displayed to the user, for example in a scale,such as the scale depicted in 202. The possible depth range defines adepth range, which is optionally set dynamically according to opticalcharacteristics of an image separating mask. As shown at 403, thepresented scale and image dataset allow the user to adjustsimultaneously and respectively a depth value of the plurality ofobjects by moving a single marker, such as the central layer marker 204,in relation to the scale. Now, as shown at 404, a depth adjusted outputimage depicting the scene at the image dataset is generated so that thedepth of the objects therein is set according to the adjusted depthvalues.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from thisapplication many relevant systems and methods will be developed and thescope of the term display, user interface, and computing unit isintended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This termencompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition ormethod may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if theadditional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basicand novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from otherembodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in someembodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particularembodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional”features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of setting a plurality of depth valuesof a plurality of objects in a scene, comprising: providing amultilayered image having a plurality of layers each depicting one of aplurality of objects in a scene comprising said plurality of objects,each one of said plurality of layers having one of a plurality of depthvalues defining a plurality of depth differences between said pluralityof objects, each one of said plurality of layers is a multi pixelportion of said multilayered image; selecting a depth range; displayinga plurality of layer markers to a user, each one of said plurality oflayer markers is indicative of another of said plurality of layers;identifying a user input wherein one of said plurality of layer markersis moved by said user; simultaneously adjusting said plurality of depthvalues of said plurality of objects according to said user input whilemaintaining said plurality of depth differences, said adjusting beinglimited by said depth range; and instructing the generation of an outputimage depicting said scene so that said plurality of objects having saidplurality of adjusted depth values; wherein said plurality of layermarkers are plurality of thumbnails of said plurality of objects.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said selecting comprises selecting said depthrange according to optical characteristics of an image separating mask.3. The method of claim 2, wherein said image separating mask is astereoscopic display.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprisinggenerating an article wherein said output image is viewable via saidimage separating mask.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said imageseparating mask is selected from a group consisting of a parallaxbarrier, a lenticular lenses array, a multi image display screen, astereoscopic display, and an array of lenses for integral photography(IP).
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said selecting comprisesselecting said depth range according to vision limitations of anobserver viewing said scene via an image separating mask.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting a convergenceplane of said scene while maintaining said plurality of depthdifferences.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting comprises:displaying said plurality of layer markers each indicative of anothersaid depth value of a respective layer of said multilayer image in saiddepth range, and allowing a user to move simultaneously said pluralityof layer markers along a scale having boundaries defined by said rangedepth.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a twodimensional (2D) image from a remote client via a network and convertingsaid 2D image to generate said multilayered image wherein each saidobject has a separately adjustable depth.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein said instructing comprises rendering said output image on astereoscopic display.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein saidinstructing comprises printing said output image.
 12. A method ofpresenting a user interface for adjusting a plurality of depth values ofa plurality of objects of a scene, comprising: displaying anmultilayered image having a plurality of layers each depicting one of aplurality of objects in a scene comprising said plurality of objects,each one of said plurality of layers having one of a plurality of depthvalues defining a plurality of depth differences between said pluralityof objects, each one of said plurality of layers is a multi pixelportion of said multilayered image; displaying a plurality of layermarkers on a scale defining a depth range to a user, each one of saidplurality of layer markers is indicative of another of said plurality oflayers; identifying a user input wherein one of said plurality of layermarkers is moved by said user in relation to said scale to adjustsimultaneously said plurality of depth values ; and generating an outputimage depicting said scene so that the depth of said plurality ofobjects being set according to said plurality of adjusted depth values;wherein said plurality of layer markers are plurality of thumbnails ofsaid plurality of objects.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein saiddepth range is selected according to optical characteristics of an imageseparating mask; said output image is viewable via said image separatingmask.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said moving comprises moving aplurality of object markers simultaneously, each said object markermarking another of said plurality of depth values in said depth range.15. A computer program product, comprising at least one non transitorycomputer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodiedtherein, said computer readable program code adapted to be executed toimplement a method of setting a plurality of depth values of a pluralityof objects in a scene, said method comprises: providing an multilayeredimage having a plurality of layers each depicting one of a plurality ofobjects in a scene comprising said plurality of objects, each one ofsaid plurality of layers having one of a plurality of depth valuesdefining a plurality of depth differences between said plurality ofobjects, each one of said plurality of layers is a multi pixel portionof said multilayered image; selecting a depth range; presenting aplurality of layer markers adjustable by a user to allow a user tosimultaneously adjust said plurality of depth values while maintainingsaid plurality of depth differences by maneuvering one of said pluralityof layer markers by said user, said simultaneous adjustment is limitedby said depth range; and instructing the generation of an output imagedepicting said scene so that said plurality of objects having saidplurality of adjusted depth values; wherein said plurality of layermarkers are plurality of thumbnails of said Plurality of objects.
 16. Adevice of setting a plurality of depth values of a plurality of objectsin a scene, comprising: a receiving unit which receives an multilayeredimage each depicting one of a plurality of objects in a scene comprisingsaid plurality of objects, each one of said plurality of layers havingone of a plurality of depth values defining a plurality of depthdifferences between said plurality of objects, each one of saidplurality of layers is a multi pixel portion of said multilayered image;a user interface module which includes a plurality of layer markersadjustable by a user to allow a user to simultaneously adjust saidplurality of depth values while maintaining said plurality of depthdifferences by maneuvering one of said plurality of layer markers bysaid user, said adjusting being limited by a depth range; and an outputmodule which instructs the generation of an output image depicting saidscene so that said plurality of objects having said plurality ofadjusted depth values; wherein said plurality of layer markers areplurality of thumbnails of said plurality of objects.